The Place of Attachment in Human Mating

Abstract

Application of the principles of evolution and natural selection to the phenomena of human mating does not lead inevitably to a single theoretical model. According to the standard evolutionary model, formally known as sexual strategies theory ( D. M. Buss & D. P. Schmitt, 1993 ), biologically based sex differences in parental investment have resulted in hard-wired sex differences in mate preferences and mating strategies. A critical analysis of the logical and empirical foundations of the theory reveals several weaknesses and limitations. This article demonstrates how attachment theory ( J. Bowlby, 1969/1982 , 1973 , 1979 , 1980 , 1988 ) can be used to integrate a diverse set of ideas and research findings and provide a more grounded account of human mating.